Power control for articulated beds



March 26, ,1946. c. DREXLER Erm. 2,397,092

y POWER CONTROL FOR ARTICULATED BEDS Filed Aug. 71942 9 sheets-sheet 1March 26, 1946.

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POWER CONTROL FR ARTICULATED BEDS Filed Aug.v 7, '1942 Y g'sneets-sheet2 PIE.- F-

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POWER CONTROL FOR ARTICULATED BEDS Filed Aug. '7, 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet 5Z55 5 Z g yMarch 26, 1946. c. DREXLER Erm.. 9 2,397,092

POWER CONTROL FOR vARTICULA'lED BEDS Filed Aug. '7, 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet4 z// as aan INVENTORJ.

March 26, 1946. c2 DREXLER El-AL 2,397,092

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POWER CONTROL FOR ARTICULATED BEDS C. DREXLER ETAL Filed ug. 7, .1942

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POWER CONTROL FOR ARTICULATED BEDS Filed Aug. '7, 1942 9 Sheets-,Sheet'7 405 40s-Hq. 17L

March 26, 1946. c. DREXLER Erm. 2,397,092'

POWER CON'I'ROL FOR lARTICULATED BEDS l Filed Aug. 7, 1942 9sheets-sheet 8 Y /lsl Il!) l y WP f) I '513C 521 l l l l 1 PIE'. 18 l rwww .B/rfum, MW/MW March 26, 1946. c. DREXLER E1-AL 397,092

l POWER CONTROL FOR ARTICULATED BEDS @gli M Patented Mar. 26, 1946 POWERCONTROL FOR ARTICULATED BEDS Charles Drexler and Ralph H. Morgan,Indianapolis, Ind., Vassignors to Dr. Robert It, Freund,

Mount Carmel, Ill.

Application August 7, 1942, Serial No. 454,002

l2 Claims.

This invention relates to a power and control device suitable forposture and hospital bed structure control and operation.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No.323.676,'1i1ed March 13, 1940, which Ain turn was acontinuation-i-n-part lof Aapplication Serial No. 152,718,led July 9,1937, now Patent No. 2,261,980, dated November 11,1941. The centralportion of Fig. l and Figsl 2 and 5 of said patent appear herein asFigs. 1 to 3 respectively.

In so far as Figs. 4 to 10, herein, are concerned, the power andcontrol, specifically illustrated therein, constitute portions ofvanarticulated bed structure more particularly-illustrated and described inthe copending application, Serial No. 323,677, also filed March 13,1940, and entitled, Hospitalization and posture bed and-Figs. 1, 1A, 2and 3 thereof appear herein Ias Figs. 16 to 19, inclusivarespectively,This last mentioned application is now Patent No. 2,308,592, dated Januaryl, 1943.

The chiefobjec't of this invention is to provide a power ,and controldevice for a posture -and hospital bed which device is arranged toselectively actuate, irl-reversible driving arrangement, va plurality ofpower elements and to op erate the .same by an electric reversible motoror by .hand, as desired.

The chief feature of the invention consists in including in acompactarrangement the main mechanism whereby the foregoing object isaccomplished.

Another feature of the invention is the remote control switch forautomatic selective control.

Other objects and features of the invention will be set forth more fullyhereinafter.

rlhe full nature of lthe invention will be Vunderstood from theaccompanying drawings and the following description and claims:

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale of a powercontrol unit embodying one form of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of `a portion of the same and beingapproximately a central sectional view through Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view on a smaller scale and is taken online 3-3 `of Fig. l and in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 and of a second form of theinvention. I

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken at right angles Vto Fig. 4 andsubstantially in the plane indicated by Aline 5Q5 in Fig. 4 and in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 6 is a similar view taken substantially in the plane indicated byline 6-6 in Fig. 4.

Fig. -7 is A,a transverse sectional View taken substantially in theplane indicated by line 1 -1 in Fig. 4 Aand in the ,direction'of thearrows.

Fig. 8 4is a similar view taken substantially in the plane indicated Abyline v8 8 in Fig. 4. 1

Fig. 9 is a perspective View of a portion of the mechanism shown in thecentral portion of Fig. 4. v

.'Fig. 10 is a central sectional'view of one of the power worms andlassociatedclutch construction. Fig. '1,1v is a diagrammatic wiringdiagram of an' electrical arrangement suitable fior use in the secondmodification of the invention disclosed herein and the same includes aswitch arrangement wherein the switches carry the line or power current,said switches directly controlling the -motor reversal and the severalYsolenoid controlsy for the clutches, together with limit switches.

Fig'. 12 is a similar view but illustrates apush button arrangementwherein the push button or like switches remotely control the -motorreversal and the several clutch operating solenoids,pow'er or linecurrent being directly handled by relay operable switches, the relays inturn being controlled by the push button arrangements or switches Aofthe vsame voltage.

Fig. 1,3 is aside elevation of one form of push button stationstructure,the base and cover being omitted.

Fig. 14 yis an end'elevation of said structure.

Fig. 15 is a top plan -view thereof.

Fig. 16 isa view similar to Fig. y1 of vPatent No. 2,308,592 andA is arear elevational view of a second bed structure embodying the secondform of the invention shown in Figs. 4 to 10 herein, the back section ofthe bed frame being shown elevated and the movable foot and kneesections and the vstationary Vsection being omitted lsince in this -viewthe same are concealed by the back section, vthe pan support being shownin lowered position and the plug section mechanism being yshown in theelevated position.

Fig. 17 isa view similar to Fig. 1`A of Patent No. 2,308,592, and is aplan view of the knee section controlbroadly disclosed in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a vertical sectional view through the invention illustratedin Figs. 16 and 17, the same being taken approximately in the plane I8I3of Fig, 16 and in the direction of the arrows, the foot and kneesections of the bed being illustrated back or head section of the bed inhorizontalv position and the foot and knee sections reversely positionedin tiltedrpositions although generally horizontally directed, this beingthe knee strain relieving position, the heavy broken horizontal line tothe left indicating the position of the foot y section when elevated tosubstantially horizontal position when the circulation of thepatientrequires that the legs be elevated relative to'the head andtorso.

The first embodiment of theV powercontrol structure is illustrated inFigs. 1 to 4 inclusive and same may be incorporated in an articulatedbed structure such as illustrated in Patent No. 2,261,980. Such powercontrol` is included within a housing 39 and therein lthere is providedaligned bearings 49a, 4Gb and 40o in whichis mounted ashaft 4|. Thelower end of the shaft mounts inthe chamber 42 a worm wheel 43 meshingwith a worm 44 carried by the motor shaft 45 in the Vchamber 42. Themotor shaft 45 is operable by the motor mechanism embodied in theelectric motor Ywhich is of the reversible type andY which is 'providedwith suitable controls forinitiating motor operation in either directionof rotation, such control mechanism being Vof the normally open switchtype in that it requires manual mainasevgoee Y v capable of relativerotational movementI so that said clutch member rotates with the shaft4| and in the direction of shaft rotation. Each gear v41 or 53,therefore, may be disconnected from the source of power or may beconnected thereto Vand rotated in either direction, as will be morefully pointed out hereinafter. Y I

Positioned above the bearing'ktllb is a thrust bearing structure 51 andanother gear 58 is rotatably supported on the'shaft as at 59 and isprovided with a clutch face having teeth 58a.

`The anti-friction. structure 6| nested therein serves asa spacer forthe sleeve 62 rigidly secured. to the shaft 4| and the thrust bearingamaintains the gear 64 in predetermined position, the latter beingrotatablyV supported as at 65 on the shaft 4 A The gears 58 and 64 havethe adjacent clutch engageable teeth faces 58a and 54a, respectively,and the clutch member 66 has'the clutch faces with teeth 66a and 66h atopposite ends for selective engagement with the teeth 53a and 64a of theclutch faces before mentioned. The clutch member 65 has a splined orequivalent connection with the bushing or sleeVeGZ similar tothatpreyiously described with reference to the clutch member 56 with itssupporting and driving sleeve 5|. Fig. l illustrates the neutralposition of the clutch member 66.

tenanceof the switchin the closed position to Y secure motorenergization and release from said manual operation immediately causescessation of rotational movement, the switch being of dual charactersuch as is necessary to secure reverse y rotation of the motor. Y

As herein illustrated, the rotational Vpoweris derived in the presentdisclosure, as thus far described, from the reversible motor. As rshown1in Fig. 2,.the motor 46 is suitably mounted onthe housing structure. Y

Rotatably mounted on shaft 4| isa gear 41, -andif desired, ananti-friction construction 41a may be interposed therebetween. The gear41 bears at its lower end on a thrust bearing arrangement 48 in turnbearing on the shaft bearing 49e. The gear 41 has a toothed clutch face49 `and nests an anti-friction construction 5|) which supports a sleeve5| keyed to the shaft 4 y -Bearing on the upper end of sleeve v5| is ananti-friction structure 52' against which- Ibears another gear 53similar to gear 41 and similarly mounted as at 53a on said shaft 4|butin reversed relation is a clutch with face 54 of toothed character sothat in this instance the clutch face 54 isV positioned adjacent butspaced from the clutch face 49. Thus, the two gears are maintained inspaced relation and are prevented from axial movement by the inclusionof a thrust bearing structure 55 between the gear 53 and the bearing Aclutch member 56 has the opposite clutch faces with teeth "56a and 59heither of which is adapted for engagement with the teeth 49 or 54,respectively-of the gears 41 and `53. The clutch To prevent endwise playand maintainpredetermined clearances and positionings, there is in`Vterposed between the gear 64 and thebearing 40a the thrust bearingstructure 61. Pinned tothe upper free end of the shaft 4| as at 68a is apower cam Ghaving the camgroove 68h therein and aV follower 69 rides insaid groove and is carried by the rocker arm 19 pivoted at 1|.V Therocker arm is apertured as at 1|a for the purpose hereinafter set forthand adjacent said aperture is pivotallyconnected as at 1lb, to theconnecting rod 12 in turn connected to' a piston 13 slidably mounted inthe pump cylinder 14 which is provided with an intake port 15, thelatter being connected by the conduit 15 to the chamber 42 andterminatingA at 16a in the lowermost portion thereof. The discharge portand its connection to the discharge line 11 is not Villustrated herein.

member 56 lis of a length sufficient to, as stated,

engageeither of thel gears, or, as illustrated, to be positionedintermediate the Ysame and be free from adjacent gear tooth faceengagement. -The clutch member 56 has a spline orequivalent-lconnectionwith the sleeve4 5|, -so asy to be capable oflongitudinal movement relative thereto butin- The discharge line 11terminates at 11a adjacent the bearing 40a and thus in the rotation ofshaft 4| the rocker arm isicontinuously actuated and the lubricationpump similarly actuated to supply lubricant to the power andV controlmechanisms previously described, and mounted uponv the shaft 4|. i

The means for selectively controlling'the sev- Veral clutchconstructions may be set' forth llorieiiy as follows: A shaft-89 isrotatably supported in' a bearing Bila formed as a part of the pump'housing. Pinned thereto at D and bearing on'the end of the bearing 80ais a grooved cam 8| having the cam groove latherein. Y

A clutch shifter lever 82--see Fig. 3--is pivotally supported at 83 andis yieldlngly locked by a plunger 84 and spring 84a to an arm 85pivotally p supporting the roller 82a which is positioned in the groove8|a. The lever 82 is bifurcatedat one end and each arm thereof pivotallysupports atY 86 a roller 86a which rides in the groove 81 of the clutchmember 56, splined as at, 5|a to'the y sleeve 5| which is pinned to theshaft 4| as at (5|b.'

It will be obvious from the'shape of the `cam 8| that the clutch shifterlever structure may be moved so as to position the clutch in Vneutralposition or in eitherselective gear driving position.

Ina similar manner, therefs suitably secired. to the shaft 99, aYgrooved cam 88 with which'is associated a similar type lever structure89 pivoted at 89a and operatively associated with the groove 90 in theclutch member 66.v The two cams 8| and 88 are so positioned on shaft 80that independent clutching of any gear 41, 53, 58 or 64 to the mainshaft 4| may be effected or no gear may be so connected. Note also thatthe pump operates only when the shaft 4| rotates and irrespective of thedirection of shaft rotation.

The shaft 80 has pinned thereto a collar 9| which maintains the shaftagainst axial displacement. 4 The free end of the shaft 80 supports atransverse pin 92 which is adapted to be interl-ocked with a toothedsocket structure 93 having the teeth 93a thereon and having a handleportion 93h, and a pointer or indicator portion 93e. 'Theportion 93 isrotatably supported in the opening 94 formed in the cover portion 95 ofhousing -39 which is the housing for all of the aforesaid powermechanism. 95a indicates a scale or like legending so that by manualmanipulation of the member 93h all the gears may be free from rotationor any one of the gears may be rotated and, of course, the direction ofrotation depends upon `the then direction of rotation of the motorbefore mentioned.

In -place of motor operation, there may be associated with the upper endof the shaft 4|, a cap type Asocket 96 having a cooperative engagementwith the upper end of the shaft 4| and provided 'with va handle 91terminating in a knob 95. The member 99 is rotatably supported in theaperture 96a formed in the cover 95. When the motor is -not employed, itwill, of course, be evident that shaft 4|. may be manually rotated,through the handle structure described, in either direction and theproper power operation obtained therefrom, depending upon thecorresponding setting :of the manual member 93.

Reference will be had now more especially to .-Fig. 2and also to alimited extent to Fig. 1. Rotatably supported in the bearing |60 is ashaft Ml which is connected by a universal coupling |23 to a shaft |22for rotating said last mentioned yshaft in either -direction and foroperating the ibed panfand mattress plug supporting mechanism, .and forthe purpose setjforth in the copending application. The shaft |6| hassecured to it, in the chamber formed by the housing 39, the gear `|162`which is lin continuous mesh with the gear '41. In a bearing |63thereabove is rotatably mounted a shaft |64 to which is secured for backAsection `or bed part movement the drum 20 as at |65 and within thechamber formed by housing S59 there is secured to shaft |64, the gear|66 which is in Icontinuous mesh with the gear 53.

In -a lbearing |61 thereabove, is rotatably supporteda shaft |68 whichhas rigidly secured to it in the chamber formed by the housing 39, agear |69 ywhich is in continuous mesh with the gear 58. The other end ofthe shaft |68 has rigidly xsecured to ita lever arm |10 for bed partmovelment, this being the foot section.

`Ina bearing |1|a thereabove is rotatably supported a shaft |1| whichhas rigidly secured to it in -the chamber formed by housing 39, 'a gear|12 which vis in continuous mesh with the gear -64. YThe lother end ofthe shaft |1| has pinned or otherwise rigidly secured to it,'an offsetlever |13 "for intermediate section movement independent of the'movementimparted thereto by back section movement.

'The `shaft |1| is rotatably supported in Ithe 'sleeve |`i10|8|mountedin the bearing :|11.|a and said sleeve also is suitablylsupported as at |02- see Fig.. 2-to insure rigidity and alignment ofthe parts, said bearing |82 being rigid with a power supporting frame'member to which the housing 39 is secured.

The winding drum 20 mounting the cable i4 is the actuated element forraising and lowering the so-called head or back section referred to. Thelever |10 is the actuated element for securing the operation of thetiltable foot section. The lever |13 is the actuated element to securethe operation of the tiltable intermediate or knee section. When therespective shafts are selectively operated the various bed sectionsandthe bed pan and plug section are actuated or moved, as desired.

Briefly stated, the invention specifically discl-osed in the presentapplication in Figs. 1 and 2, isa motor drive of reversible characterfor the vertically disposed power shaft 4| upon which is mounted certaingears which may be selectively clutched to the shaft y4| and whichcontinuously mesh with certain shafts positioned at right angles theretoand herein designated by the numerals |6|, |64, |68 and |1|. Theselective clutching of the respective gears on shaft 4i to said shaft isobtained through the two lever structures which extend between shaft liland shaft 80. Shaft v80 is the manual selective control arrangement. Inother words, positioning of the hand engageable portion 93b-see Fig.l-in predetermined position, insures that through the two cam structures88 and 8| one -of the two levers last mentioned will be'appropriately'actuated so that .the shaft and `gear connecting members56 and 62 are selectively actuated for power connection. Should there bea power failure, the bed controls can nevertheless be actuated manuallyand this is possible by rotating the handle 91. When power operable, thehandle 91 is normally disengaged from the shaft 4i. AS previouslydescribed, the arm 10, operable by thecam 69 on shaft 4| in the rotationof said cam, actuates the lubricating pump including piston 13 -todischarge lubricant to the respective gearings.

In hand operation, the motor, of course, is,

not energized and, therefore, the gear 43 and worm 44 will merelyintroduce an increased friction'load and the inertia of the motorarmature will merelybe'imposed at the starting 0f rotation,

lthe worm and worm wheel connection being of such character that wedgingor locking therebetween does not occur.

The second embodiment of the invention is more particularly illustratedin Figs. 4 to 10, inclusive, for the power and control and Figs. '16 to19 for an rarticulated 'bed structure in which the including switchesand the like, cams, gearing,

clutches,et cetera. Within this-chamber Zuand Vin the bearings 201 and208, is mounted a drive l shaft 209.

The lower Yend of this shaft projects beyond the lower bearing 208 andmounts a lworm wheel 2|0 which meshes with the gear 2| carried bytheshaft 2|2 which is :reversely rotated ,bya' reversible motor, notshownin Figs. 4 to 9, butindicated .at '4.03 in Figs. 1l and 12 and 403in R-otatably mounted on shaftV 209 and in ascending relation,- is aworm i2| 35 and thereupon in succession, worms 214,215 and'2l6. Theseworms to 220, inclusive.v Upon the casing projecting ends of saidshafts22i to 224, inclusive, there are mounted cams 226, 221, 228 and229, respectively, see Fig. 4. Y

Adjacent each of the cams and pivotally supported by the auxiliary basestructure 225,'is a YVpair of levers and the adjacent ends thereof areyieldingly connected together, thereby constraining said vportionstoward cam engagement. Each of the other ends of the levers and remotefrom the cams, mounts a limit switch in the form of a mercury switch,the purpose of which will be set forth more fully hereinafter. Sinceeach pair of lever structures with the cam engaging portions, connectingsprings -and limitswitches is substantialy the same, except for limitswitch positioning incident to effecting the desired controls, adescription of one of these arrangements will suffice for a descriptionof all.

In the lower right hand portion of Fig. inthe lower cam lever isindicated by the numeral 236 andit is pivotally supported at 23i on theauxiliary housing or vsupport 225. The end 232 oi this lever is arrangedfor'adjacent cam surface engagement. It also carries a pin 233. Theother end of said lever 230 supports a clip structure 234 in which ismounted a mercury switch 235. There above and in opposed relation is asimilar lever 236, see also Fig. 7, pivotally supported at.v o

231 and having a cam engaging portion 238 and a pin 239, the oppositeend of the lever mounting a clip structure 240 inwhich is mounted themercury switch 24|. A spring 242 isv connected at opposite ends to thepins 239 and 233 and normally constrains portions 238 and 232 intoengagement. with the cam 226 interposed therel limit switches 241and248. When the limit switch 248 is positioned Vso that its contactpoint rides the high point of the cam 229, the mercury flows Y to theright hand end of the tube and the circuit is opened through theterminals at the left hand end of said switches. When this occurs, theknee section 622, see Figs. 18 and 19, of the bed is at its uppermostlimit of elevation, which is about to the horizontal of the bed whenallothe'r sections are arranged flat or horizontal, see Fig.

When the portion of the lower lever engages the high point of the cam229, the switch 241 will be tilted so the mercury iiows from the'righthand Aend Vof the switch to the left hand end thereof,

which opens Vthe circuit through the terminalsat the right hand end ofYsaid switch. This corresponds to the knee portion 622 of the bed beingin its lowermost position, which is Ysubstantially, horizontal, see Fig.18. Y j Y' When the high point of the vcam 228 contacts Y the end of theuppermost lever adjacent thereto,

the mercury switchrwill be tilted as shown in' Fig. 4, the mercuryrunning to the right hand end and'away from the terminals at the lefthand 10 end.v vWhen this position is attained thevfoot section 624, seeFigs. 18 and 19, is in its lowermost position and in that position, seeFig. 18, it is substantially vertical or transverse to its original'orsubstantially horizontal position, see Fig. 19,

jl5 dotted line.

When the cam portion 228 engages the *adja-r cent portion of thelowerlever associated there- Y with, theswitch 245 is tilted from theposition shown in Fig. 4 to an 'opposite inclination, where- 20 upon themercury leaves the terminals at the right hand end of said switch andthus opens the circuit therethrough, Thisfis theposition correspondingto When the foot section of the bed is vsubstantially horizontal. Y 1

When the cam 221V engages the contact portion of the uppermost leveradjacent thereto, the Y switch 244 will be tilted to an oppositeinclination Y from that illustrated and upon such tilting, the mercurywill flow from the lower left handend Vi3() to the right hand end of thetube leaving the terminals and opening the circuit therebetween.V Thiscorresponds to the highest position the back section 619 of the bed canattain and when in that position, the back portion is. substantiallyvertical 6 I 9.

When the cam 221l engages the adjacent portion of the lowermost leverassociated therewith, the switch 243 will be `tilted to an oppositeinclination 'from that illustrated and the mercury 4 will leave theright hand end of the tube and ow Yto the left hand end Vopening thecircuitthrough the` terminals atv the right hand end. When this actionoccurs, the back section 6 I9 is substantially ,2., horizontal, see Fig.19. l f

With respect to the lowermost camV 226 it will be noted that when theuppermost'switch is riding theV cam portion the switch is'soA arrangedthat vthe mercury Iiows from the lefthand end to the 50 right hand endand leaves the terminals' at the left hand end. In other wordsthe pad orplug ,E44 of the bed structure is now at its highest position and inregistration with the opening in the mattress and the bed, as previouslydescribed,

55 see Fig. 16.`

When the `cam portion 226 engages Vthe cooperating portion of thelowermost lever, the

mercury noyv shown at the right hand end'ofthe n tube and bridging theterminals ows tothe left hand end, opening the circuit through theterminals at the right hand end. Whenthis action occurs,V thepan supportportionr, see Fig. 16, of the bed is at its highest or elevated positionand in registration with the opening of the mattress and in thestructure, as previously described but not illustrated herein.V

This brief explanation of the operationof `the various travel limitswitches is thus brieyrset forth so that a complete understanding may behad of the invention in its entirety of which'mthe specic inventionherein disclosed and claimed is but a portion. These severalswitchesarerin series, individually, with the respective eight switches inthe'manual push button switchl station structure hereinafter to bebriefly described.' l

The `specific .mounting oi?l the several limit switches, hereinafter tobe referred to,is shown clearly in Figs. 4 and .7.

Similar to the previous disclosure, there herein is provided va sump206e, see Figs. -4 to y6, and therein is mounted a screen or `intakeY249, see Fig. 4, connected to a conduit 250 constituting .the intake`to a pump structure `25| having a power connection 252 in the form of aconnecting rod which is operable by .a cam 253 mounted on the main shaft209.

' The pump structure has a discharge line 254 which extends upwardly to.the top ofthe chamber 206 and is directed laterally and has a mouthportion 255'that discharges adjacent the upper bearing 201 thatJsupports the shaft 209. The pump structure last described is comparableto the pump structure previously described for the first form-of theinventionand herein the second form is illustrated `in Fig. 4.

The `manual power arrangement .of the second l form is shown herein andis illustrated in Figs. 4 and 8 more especially. The manual selectivecontrol is illustrated herein and more especially in Figs. 4, 6 and 1.In these figures it will be observed there is provided a shaft 256 andthisv shaft is rotatably mounted in bearings but is capable of rotation.It also carries at appropriately spaced axial intervals, four pins,to-wit, 251, 258, 259 and 260, and the respective pins may be said to beangularly offset with respect to each other approximately 72".Therefore, when any one of the four pins is extending toward the mainpower shaft, it is the effective controlling pin and is effective forpower shaft control purposes. This pin operates the individual manualcontrol and the latter also is effective through a mechanism that isalso remotely, manually controlled by means of the appropriate manuallyoperable push button switch controlling the sole'- noid, previouslymentioned, that is effective, when energized, to actuate the individualcontrol mechanism, last mentioned.

It might be briefly stated that when electrical power is utilized andthe electrical control is energized, a safety feature is incorporated inthat each of the several limit switch means, previously described, iseffective to control said solenoid automatically to prevent overactuation of the power. Removal of finger pressure n the push buttonswitch mentioned, and' its automatic return to open circuitposition,naturally insures instant stoppage of the power application.

For an understanding of both direct manual and manually remoteelectrical control of selec-l tive power application, the foregoing hasbeen briefly stated, and reference nowwill be had to one of theaforementioned mechanismsy and a detail description thereof will suflicefor the other three as well, since they are substantially iden tical,although as will be observed, the two upper mechanismssee Fig. 4-arereversed in position relative to the two lower mechanisms.

Pivotally mounted on post 26 I, see Fig. 4, is an angle lever 262, theoutf position of which is limited by a pin 263 also carried by the baseor frame structure 294. The arm portion 264 is bifurcated, asillustrated in Figs. 1 and l0 and the two arms carry inwardly directedpin portions 265 which ride in the groove 266 in the clutch collarmember 261 and is slidably secured at 261e to the main power shaft 209and rotates therewith and is slidable longitudinally thereon. Clutchmember 261 at 269e includes pins 268 that slide longitudinally in bores269 in clutch member 210- see Fig. 10. Seated in circular recess 210a'isa coiled spring 21011 of clutch type having angular end 210e which isadapted to be engaged by one of pins 268 when the member 261 is causedto 'approach member 20. This is of reversible drive character.

The adjacent 'gear 2lb herein-see Fig. 10 is similarly recessed as at2|50L anda hole 2|5b receives the angular end Z'ldoi the opposite end ofthe spring 210D seated in the angular recess.

When collar member 261 is moved toward member 210 andsince member 210rotates with and gear 215 freely rotates on shaft 209, in the rotationof shaft 209, the closest pin 258 engages the angular end 2F06 and windsup said spring or unwinds the same, depending on the direction ofrotation of 'shaft 209. Upon sufficient winding movement, the springv2101; locks the member 216 to the gear 2|5 and this lock 'is 'ofinternal lor external character depending upon `how the spring is thenwound and then gear 215 rotates with shaft 209. Note that clutch 210 issplined to 'shaft 209 so the power to gear 2l5 is through this splineand not through pins 26S,`same being merely clutch control pins.

As a result a solenoid having a 2-pound pull is satisfactory for controlpurposes whereas if such a Vcontrol be not employed, a solenoid of20G-pound pull would normally be required. This :1 ratio reduction issolely due tothe inherent characteristics of the clutch disclosedherein. I

The ,arm portion more remote from the base 200 of the lever arm portion264 carrie'sa cam projection 212 and when this 'cam portion is engagedby the adjacent pin 259, the lever 262 is tilted upon its pivot 26| andthe clutch collar or sleeve is moved downwardly, as described. After apredetermined 'amount of rotation ofthe main shaft 209, if necessary,the clutch connection becomes operative to insure rotation of the gear2|5 by the main shaft 209. This rotationis cntinued as long as desiredand since 'manual operation of the main shaft is relatively slow, nosafety or travel limit device is provided in this arrangement. Thereare, as stated, herein, four of these clutch control members and fourcooperating master pins on shaft ZES- see Fig. G-f-and four cooperatingclutch and clutch collars. The four levers for .controlling the rotationof the four Worms 2l3, 2M, 215 and 216 are designated by the numerals213, 210, 262, and 215, respectively-- see Fig. 4,'and 262 is shownlarger in Fig. 10.

Reference now will be had to Figs. 4 and `8. Mounted in the base of thelower cover portion 205e, is a bearing 216 defined by an opening 216eand opposite thereto in the base 204 `is provided a bearing 211. A shaft216 is mounted in the latter bearing and extending forwardly therefromis a pair of ears 219 that project through the enlarged opening 216, asshown in Fig. 8. Pivotally mounted in these ears as at 200 is a handcrank 28i having the cam portion 282. The cam portion 282 normally, whenthe handle is in the dotted line position, engages a central element 283and serves to position the gear 284 in the dotted Aline position-seeFig. 8. In this position, see also Fig. 16,

this gear 204 does not engage the gear 285 carried' by the motor shaft.When the handle is positioned as shown in the full lines in Fig'. 8,this gear 284 does engage the gear 285 and thus the handle is connectedto the motor shaft and by the worm 2H, previously described. The mainpower shaft 209 is rotated through the wheel 2l0 that meshes therewith.This is a reversible drive arrangement.

Since Fig. 8 discloses fully the specific details of this hand powerdrive and its operation is quite apparent from said disclosure onlycasual refer; ence will be had thereto hereinafter.

Reference now will be had more especially to the upper portion of Fig. 6and also the upper central portion of Fig. 4. The upperend of the shaft256 has suitably secured to it a spiral gear 205. Meshing therewith andat right angles thereto is a similar gear 281 carried by a shaft 288that extends through the opening 289 in the cover 205. Y Y

Suitably secured to the exposed end of this shaft is a hand wheel 290with the pointer portion 29|, see also Fig. 16. This pointer portioncooperates with a dial arrangement indicated by the numeral 252, in Fig.6. Y Y

Reference now will be had to the central portion of Figs. 4 and 6, and9, whereirr there is illustrated a safety control so that the device maynot be electrically controlled while the manual control is effective. Asillustrated clearly in said ligure, a casting 300 is suitably secured asat 301. to the main base 204 and encircles the shaft 209 and forms arigidizing bearing therefor. Also ro- Reference'now will berv had moreespecially toY Figs. 4, 6 and '1. Adjacent each one of the levers 213,V214, 262 and 215, and mounted upon the base 204, are the solenoids 316,311, 318 and 319, re-

spectively, each of which is adapted to control the adjacent associatedlever.

Reference now will be had to the solenoid 310*V since specicreferencehas been had previously' to the lever 262 and the followingdescription will serve for aV description of the solenoid mechanismsassociated with the solenoids 316, 311 and 319, as

well since they are identical -to that associated with solenoid 318. Thesolenoids support 320 mounts a spring plunger 32| adapted toengage anabutment 322carried by the depending arm or solenoid operable armportion of the bell crank lever 262. This tends man the lever 262 andmoves the other arm portion into engagement with the stop pin 263,previouslydescribed.Y

The solenoid plunger or core 323 is bifurcated Y at its exposed end, asindicated at'323a, and the pin 324 extending across the same isassociated With the adjacent end of the lever 262 lso that upon solenoidenergization the lever is caused to 'tilt clockwise von its pivot 251and move the clutch l collar, as previously described for the manualtatably supported in this casting, is the shaft 256 f movement of saidclutch collar. These solenoid members as well as the wheel 290 onlyserve to I throw the clutch collar into and out of operative isr adaptedto ride the collar 304 or seat 4in the recess 305. 1t only seats in therecess 305 when the pointer 291-see Fig. 6-is in the neutral position,that is, it pointsstraight upwardly. When the finger piece or knob 290is rotated either to the right Vor left, it will be obvious that shaft256 will Vbe rotated and thus the lever 301 will be tilted. When tilted'in' this position the vmercury switch 309-see Figs. 4 and 6-`isarranged so that the mercury in said switch does not closevthe circuitcontrolled by said switch. l It is only when the tongue portion 308seats in the notch or recess 305 Vthat the mercury in this switch closesthe circuit across the contactsinsaid switch 309. 'I'his is one of themain automatic master safety switches so that electrical control cannotloeV ef-` fected unless the manual control is in neutral position. Whenthe manual controlris in other thanneutral position, the electriccontrol of the power through this switch is rendered' inoperable.

Reference now will be had more especially to Figs. 4,76 and v1. In thesefigures, it will be observed there is provided four brake structures 'offibre or the like, and indicated by the numeral 3 10; This constructionis of vsuoli character that it'has onearm portion 311 bearing on theshaft 258 for support. AThis constitutes the fulcrum. The brake member3.10 is apertured as at 312 and is carried by Ya threaded post 313mounted on the base 204. A spring 314, the tension of which is adjustedby the nut 315,V serves to force the brake member inwardly and about thefulcrum, to-wit, the shaft 256 Yand into engagement with the adjacentWorm of the main power shaft 299. Since all four brake Ystructures areidentical, no further description V engagement.

through the Yutilization vof a single reversible clutch construction,the power shafts in bothY forms of the invention being reverselyrotatable.

For simplification, thereso far has been inten;

tionally omitted from the present disclosure, the

' scribed, and from that to the other circuit oper- Y able devices,including ra reversing switch struc-` ture'.

The push buttonstation includes eight buttons,

four marked Up and four marked Down; one f Y pair of Up and Down buttonsvis `marked Back, a second pair is marked Panf a third pair is markedFoot and a fourth pair is marked Knee Depressing any one of thesebuttons,V

providing the member 290 is in neutral position, secures the properenergization of the selected solenoid andthe vproperselective'rotational operation of the motor 003, see Figs. 11 and 12,and Fig. 16, forY power shaft 209 rotation in the desired direction,provided a second safety device is properly conditioned. This secondsafety'de vice is shown in Figs. 4 and 7 and is Yassociated with thehand crank 281 and itsY mechanism.

Briefly stated, whenever the hand crank is in the dotted line position,see Fig. 8, or full line position, see Figs. 16, the electric motorcontroland power arrangement is conditioned for operation,

- and whenever the hand crank is positioned in the Vfull line position,as shown in Fig. 8, the control and power of electrical character is intheY inoperative condition. This safety'control may be brieflydescribedas follows:

Suitably supported as at 350'upon the base 204 is an arm 351 and carriedthereby is a lever 352,Y the same being pivoted thereon as at 353. Its

In other words,v in this embodi ment or second' broad form oftheinvention, re-Y versal isV not obtained through the utilization ofselective forward and'reverse clutching but solely,Y

normal position is limited by the pin 354 carried by an extension of thearm 35|.

The lever includes an actuating portion 355. The lever at its oppositeend constitutes a mercury switch support @t-see the clipsand mountedtherein is the mercury switch 351. When the parts are as shown in thefull line position in Fig. 8, the arm 355 is constrained by gravity tothe full line position. In that position the mercury switch is soarranged the mercury docs not close the circuit throughA the terminalsof said switches, which are connected to the wire 358. Thus,v the maincircuit is held open when the hand crank-280 is in position for manualoperation of the power shaft. When the hand crank is positioned in thedotted line position, as shown in Fig. 8, the gear 284 moves to thedotted line Dosition and in so doing, engages the arm 355 of the levermember 352 and tilts said lever member and holds said lever member inthe tilted dotted position.

In this tilted dotted position, the mercury in said mercury switchbridges the terminals therein and completes the circuit so that when thehand crank is in the inoperable position-that is, depending, see dottedlines in Fig. 8-this main control Vcircuit switch is in the closedcircuit position.

The'previously mentioned safety main switch connected to the manualselector shaft and operable thereby may be in series with this switch357 and the several individual push button control switches. The severaltravel limit switches also are in series therewith.

As shown clearly in Fig. 8, the hand crank may be rotated and thentilted upon its pivot 28B so the handle portion lies underneath thecasting portion 25c, see Fig.'16, and thus does not constitute anobstruction on exterior or at the side of the bed.

It will be quite obvious from the foregoing, that inasmuch as thevarious pins 251, 258, 259 and 26D carried by the shaft 255 can onlyengage the clutch shifting lever mechanism, one at a time, that is butone operation can be obtained manually at ony one time.

It will be also observed that if it is desired, when the device is poweroperable, a single power operation may be effected or a plurality ofpower operations may be effected. For example, if the knee section 622be elevated and the foot section 624 be slightly lower or horizontal,and the back section SIG be slightly elevated, the appropriate pushbuttons may be energized so that the bed pan support H5; see Fig. 16,may be elevated and the back elevated, or the `foot section and kneesection both may be lowered simultaneously.

mechanism sought to be operated.

Retention of switch closure or push button depression beyond thatrequired for full range operation is ineffective for shaft rotation bythe motor 403 because of the li-mit switch respectively in series withthe clutch controlling solenoids.

The resulting Vmodification of the basic invention herein disclosed,therefore, is capable of Y manual or power operation and in either eventsprings B21 to the section frame.

Due to the fact that the power shaft 269 'is reversely rotatable and buta single clutch is associated therewith for connecting the adjacent wormfor rotation by said shaft, see Fig. 4, two opposed operations, ofcourse, cannot be effected, since it is obvious that a single shaft 2Mcannot rotate in two opposed directions at the same time.

As a further' matter of safety, it is to be observed that preferably thesafety switch 35'! is connected in series with the safety switch 3GB andthus both safety switches are in series with the main electrical supplyto the motor 453 and the control push button station device must beconditioned for closed circuit position before any power operation canbe obtained. Each push button station is of multiple switch characterso' that thev motor is energized whenever anyone of the solenoids isenergized andthe direction is directly or manual remotely controlled andis provided with all, factors of safety essential to preventover-driving or manual and power operation interference.

Reference now will be had to Figs. 16 to 19 for a better understandingof a form of an articulated bed structure which includes the structureillustrated in Figs. 4 to l0, inclusive, and previously described indetail.

In Figs. 16 to 19, inclusive, an articulated bed is illustrated whichembodies a form of the invention and these gures all illustrate moreparticularly an articulated` bed to which any embodiment of theAinvention herein disclosed may be applied in lieu ofthat specificallyillustrated in said figures. Herein the back section 6|-9 is pivoted at626 to the sideA frames at the rear end of stationarysection 623.Forward thereof at 62| is pivoted knee section 622 pivoted to legsection 624 at 625. The motor 403 is the power source. z

A rod 615 connects 'the side portions of section 624 together. Each siderail mounts a track 666 upon which rides a roller BB1 mounted in thefree end of arm 668 fixed to cross shaft B55 pivoted in the side framemember.

Each of the aforesaid-sections includes parallel metal strap 626connected at opposite ends by The stationary section includes a cutoutportion to nest a mattress plug 54401 bed pan support 155, see Fig. 16.Shaft 203 operates the interchangeable support mechanism The pivoted endof the head section includes counterbalance' cross member 643terminating in an angular arm 645 offset at 646 to clear frame crossmember 'SI1 adjacent thereto.l A link 648 connects at (one end as at 641to arm 645 and at the other end as at 649 to arm 202 rigid with apower'shaft 222-.

The frame 6H includes 'sockets 6|2 which receive pintle portions of-legs 514 terminating in offset sockets 6i5 which receive pintles of theswivelling casters GIG. Members (5!4 are secured by thumb-screws 5l3.When the sections are positioned as shown in Fig. 18 and the legs areturned inwardly, the bed can readily be passed through any standard dooropening.

Depending from each end of brace 643 is an arm'642'mountingroller 651.An arm E53-has a slot B52' therein arcuate in character and terminatingat 652a in a cam portion, Each arm B53, is'pivoted` on the adjacent sideframe approximately in line' with ashaft 224 hereinafter referred to.The other ends of arms 653 are'connected b-y shaft 66| which pivotstherein. A pair of arms 659 are rigid with shaft 66| and each terminatesin a roller 658 slidable in slot 6-5'1 in member or plate 656 dependingfromthe rside frame of knee section 622;

An arm 650 is also rigidwith shaft 56! and is connected at B55to a link652 connected at before mentioned.

`When shaft 222 is actuatedy to move back sec-i tion 6|'9 from thehorizontal'position-' seeFig. itl-toward the position shown in Fig. .18,the initial movement of said section tilts levers 653 on their pivotswhich thereupon tilts the equivalent bell cranks (two arms 659, one arm660 Vand shaft ssl) so that the 'knee section G22 curs, and shaft 224 isactuated, it through link/ 662 and arm 660, rocks shaft 66| and armss659thereby causing' independent movement of the knee section 622Aregardless4 of back section position. e ff ff The foot section 624bears on rollers `|561 carried by arms 668 connected as at 615e andfixed to a. crc-ss shaft 660 pivoted in the side frame members. Arm 610rigid with said shaftsl is pivoted at 61| to link 612 in turn pivoted at613 to arm 20| rigid with reversible shaft 223,

When shaft 223 is reversely rotated, the foot section 624 is raised orlowered pivoting at 625 as desired; and independently of any othermovablesection. Inasmuch as section 624 is pivoted at 625 to kneesection 622 and bears on rollers 661, it is obvious whenever the kneesection is moved, the foot section will have conjoint movement and thisis true Whether the knee section be independently actuated from shaft224 or remotely by way Vof the back section 6|9 as de-l scribed. Y Y Theshaft 203 is associated with the conjointly operable mechanism forselectively associating the mattress plug 644 or bed panv support 105 bythe several means illustrated in the lower central portion of Fig. 16.Since for an understanding of the present invention, the specificdetails of such means is believed unnecessary, reference, accordingly,is made to copending application Serial No. 323,677, now PatentNo.A2,Z'l08,592,V dated Jan, 19, 1943, before mentioned.

Referring to Figs. l'and 18 note that side frames 6|0 and 6|| areconnected together by rods 6| 1-6|8. Frame member 6|| mounts or includeshousing base 204 having cover 205 and projecting therefrom is handwheel290 and crank' shaft ears |19 withcrank 28| pivoted thereto.

Interiorly of the skeleton frame Work there is supported reversiblemotor 403 having selective and reversible driving connection with theseveral shafts 224, 223, 222 and 22|-203, all substantially verticallyaligned as shown in Fig. 18, and projecting from housing 204-205 randframe 6| l. Note a bearing on frame 204 supports shaft 222, bearing 634supports shaft 203 and bearing 636 supports shaft 223, see Figs. and 16.

In Fig, 1l is diagrammatically illustrated a wiring arrangement suitablefor the embodiment of the invention specifically disclosed inw Figs. 4to 10inclusive. l

Similar numerals employedY in these figures are employed in Fig. 11 toindicate the same parts or devices,

In Fig. `11 the numeral 400 indicatesan outletV plug having connectedthereto' current supply lines 40| and 402. In line 40| may be includedsafety switch 300, In line 402 there may be included safety switch 356.Both may be included in either line since the result is the same,to-wit,

only when both switches are closed can theelectric embodiment of theinvention be utilized.

The reversible motor 403 is Yof conventionalcharacter. phase motor withWinding405-404 and 405-406.V Line 401 connects line 40| to windings 405.Line e V3|6 i Herein, it is illustrated as a split 408 connects oneterminal of each solenoid to 3 |S, inclusive, to line 40| t Y Pushbutton switches 409 to 4|2, inclusive, eachr 'is inseries with thetravel limit switch'24l, 243,.

245 or 241, respectively, and in series with solenoids 3|6 to 3|9,inclusive, respectively, as shown. In parallel with said switches arethepush button switches 4|3 to 4|6,/inclusiv, in series, respectively, withtravel limit switches 233, 244, 246 and 248, respectively.

A common connection 4|1 is connected to one terminal of all push buttonswitches and to line 4|8 connected to line402. Y

The push button station isindicated by dash lines 4|0 and includedtherein are two other sets of switches, each set being operable by andin the operation of any corresponding push button switch cf those`previously mentioned,

Herein these supplementary switches required y for motor operation andnecessary to obtain the desired direction of motor rotation, aredesignated by numerals 420-42|4 and 422 for Vthe down set and 423-424and 425 for this fup ZSS. A

Whenever any one of switches 409 to 4|2, in- Y elusive, is closed, allswitches -420 to 422`are simultaneously closed therewith,

all switches 423 therewith; Y e

Terminals 425aand 422a are connected by line 426 which also connects towinding 406. Terminals 422b'and 4241: are connected by line 421.` Y

Terminals 424a and 42|a are connected by line 428 which ralso connectsto Winding 406. Line 421 also connects winding 405 to terminals 4221Vand A42412. Line 429 rconnects terminals 423b and 42012 and connectsalso to lines 4|1-4|8,'as'

shown. Line 430 connects terminal 425b to line 43| connected to winding405. Line 432 con nects line 43| to terminal 42|b and line 433 not,Yonly connects to line 43| as shown, but also con-k nects to terminals42341 and 42011. Y

When these switches 420 to 425 are thus connected, depression of any oneof switches 400 to 4|2 will close all switches 420 to 422 and the motorwill be energized and rotate in one direction until either the closedswitch 409 to 4|2is released from depression or the associated travellimit switch 24|, 243, 245 or 241, respectively, is operatedmechanically, as previously described,

which stops motor rotation of the clutch con- Switches 423 to `425during this nected shaft. operation are locked out. Y c

for selective shaft operation until the selected push button isreleased, orif not4 released, untilV the associated limit switch 233,244, 246 or 248,Vv respectively, is actuated to openV the clutch sole-Knoid circuit.

Releaseofthe push'button stops motor opera-V tion as well assolenoidoperation whereas limit switch operation only'deenergizesitheassociated clutch controlling solenoid so that the device is conditionedfor subsequent operation, while the motor may continue torun.

Similarly,V whenever anyone of switches 4| 3 to 4|6 is closed,

to 425 are simultaneously closed Caution: The switches should not beclosed to obtain different motor rotations. All switchesfor either up`or down operation may be closed, however, and lfor that reason theclutch control solenoid is controlled by its associated travel limitswitches so that if one selected shaft operation is completed beforeanother, the motor will continue operation although the clutchcontrolled mechanism (selected shaft) for which the solenoid has beendeenergized does not continue to operate. A suitable interlockarrangement lwill be described hereinafter to prevent simultaneous upand down switch closing.

This brief explanation and description of the actions, connections, etcetera, of theparts indicated in Fig. 11, together with the previousde-r scription, is believed sufficient so that a complete understandingof this second form of vthe invention may be had from that disclosedherein.

In Fig. 12 there is illustrated a wiring diagram similar to that shownin Fig. `1l and the major portion of the aforesaid description of Fig.1l applies to Fig. 12,

In Fig. 12, the same numerals are applied to the same or similar parts.This figure illustrates the sc-called remote control form of theinvention. Numerals of the 500 series indicate additions.

Insofar as the motor reversal is concerned, it is to be observed thatthe members 423--424J-425 are bridging contacts carried by an insulatedmember 500 which is subject to the action fof a solenoid 501 in turnhaving one terminal connected by line 502 to the line 418. The otherterminal is connected to line 503 to which reference will be had morefully hereinafter.

When solenoid 501 is energized, member 500 is elevated, thereby closingthe several switches 425-425a425b, 424-424a-424b and |423-- 423a-423b-In like manner, the bridging contacts 421i-gl21-422 are insulatab-lyconnected together and supported by the member 504 responsive to thesolenoid or relay 5,06 having one terminal connected by line 50'1 tosupply line 418. The other terminal of the solenoid or relay 506 isconnected to the line `5118. Herein each ofthe members 409 to 416,inclusive, are represented as bridging contacts and each is carried by amember having the same numeral with the Vsubscript a and this member inturn is responsive to a solenoid or relay having the same number withvthe subscript b. When the appropriate solenoid is energized, thebridging contact responsive thereto closes the circuit across the twosimilarly numbered contacts having the subscripts vc and d. Each of theeight solenoids is connected tothe line 411, being a continuation of theline 418. Each of the contacts having the subscript d is similarlyconnected. The line 408 being a main power supply line is connected to4each of the clutch controlling solenoids 316 to 319, inclusive, asshown.

The switch station or box is indicated in Fig. l2 by the numeral 519 andmounted thereon are eight push buttons, designed by the numerals 509,510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515 and 516. Each of these push buttons isarranged so that the movable contact member thereof, designated by theappropriate subscript a is adapted to simultaneously contact threestationary contacts, designated by the subscripts b, c, and d.

By referring to solenoid 412D, it will be noted that the line 512econnects to the other terminal of that solenoid at one end and at itsopposite end connects to the contactl 51211. In like man'- ner, the`several solenoids 409 -to 416, inclusive, with the subscript b areconnected to the several switch points 509 to` 51.6 with the subscript dby 4the several `lines having .the same numbers but with the subscriptse.

All of the switch points 509 to 512, inclusive, with the subscripts care connected together by the line 520 in turn connecting by the line508 to the solenoid 506. In like manner, all of the switch points 513 to615, inclusive, with the subscripts c are connected together by the line521 in turn connected by line 503 to the solenoid All of the switchpoints 509 to 516 with the subscript b are connected togetherr and tothe line 522 which is an extension of Vthe line 408.

Depression of any one of the push buttons 509 to 512 inclusive, thuswill provide a closed circuit through line 418 to the down solenoid 505and from the solenoid 506 by line 508 to the solenoid 522 and thence tothe main 408. In like manner, depression of any one 0f the up buttons513 to 516, inclusive, will similarly energize the up solenoid 501. Atthe same time that either of these two solenoids is energized, thecompanion and corresponding one of four relays or solenoids is energizedby the appropriate switch member having the subscript a supplyingcurrent through the switch point having the subscript d tothe solenoidor relay ofthe 400 series, having vthe subscript b. The circuit throughone solenoid is as follows:

Line 418, line 4.1.'1, solenoid 41227, line 512e, contact 5126i bridgingmember 512e, contact 512D, line 522, .and line 408. In like manner, eachof the other eight solenoids may be individually energized.

When a relay or solenoid 409 to 416, inclusive, with the subscript b, isenergized, the bridging switch contact having the corresponding numeralwithout the'subscrip't, is elevated to bridge the contacts having thesame numeral but having the subscripts a and c and thus the main powercircuit is closed through the corresponding solenoid 315 to 31.9,inclusive.

It will be notedth'at' either solenoid 412D or 416D closes the circuitthrough solenoid 319,

u either solenoid 411D or 415D closes the circuit through solenoid 318,either solenoid 41019 or solenoid 4,145 closes the circuit throughsolenoid 31'1 or either solenoid 4991i or solenoid 41313 closes thecircuit through' solenoid 316.

It will thus be apparent that the several switches 41,2 to 416,inclusive, and the motor reversing switch together with the motorreversing switch control solenoids 501 and 506 together with the severalsolenoids or relays 412 to 415, inclusive, with the subscript b, all maybe mounted on the frame of the bed structure and enclosed, if desired,within the cabinet or housing arrangement and only the several lines522, 503, 508, and 509e to 516e, inclusive, need be extended therefromto the push button arrangement 519. .Thus, these last mentioned linesmay be.

#14 wire, or smaller, while all of the other lines may be #8 wire, orthe like. Thus, the push button station connecting lines are of fineWire and comprise a relatively small and flexible cable structure.

It is also to be observed that the several solenoids 501 and 596 and4091 and 41117, need not necessarily be line voltage solenoids or relaysbut may be of lower voltage and if they are of lower voltage, it will bequite apparent that all that is required is to interpose between lines418 and 408 the primary of a transformer and the secondary thereof thenwould be suitably connected to the several push buttons and the several'solenoids or relays as is well understood in the electric control art,so for'simplicity, illustration of this modification is intentionallyomitted. Y

To protect the system against accidental orA intentional but undesirablesimultaneous actuation of a down button as well as an "up button, thereis provided an interlock arrangement. Herein same is illustrated as ofVmechanical type and more particularly applied to the form of theinvention illustrated in Fig. 12. Wherefore, in Figs. 13 to 15 numeralsare employed identical to those used in Fig. 12 for designating likeparts.

For simplicity, the Yinsulation or molded housing and cover plate,together with insulation eX- Y ltensions of the switch members which areexposed, are intentionally omitted; hence, only the skeleton frame workand interlock-of the push button station 5|9 is illustrated.

In said Figs. 13 to 15, the numeral 600 indi- Y `cates a4 pairY ofconfronting spaced angle' members which mount insulation plates 60,adjacent which are the'several groups of three contacts included withinlthe station EIS in Fig. 12. The bridging contact for each group isillustrated as of V-type in Fig. 14 and each is mountedon an insulationplate 603 carried by the switch actu- V ating member.

plate 605. `An interlock plate 6I0 is slidably sup-A ported at 6H uponplate 605. Its opposite edges are notched as at 6I2, 'the positioning ofsaid a'se'poa" Y Y mehr of the plate sin ause'sf'uie latter toiseat inthe notches 609 of (all Ythe rri'er'nl'oersrfofY thev othergroup','thereby preventing actuation of 'any switch of that group Untilany" and allot the switches of the group initially closed are returnedVto open circuit position. v Y f Inl this movement, as a result ofrelease' of linger pressure from the actuatingmemberand eiiectivenessofv spring V608,- the guard plateis automatically returned to 4neutralposition. 1

Then and then only can a switch of the other group be closed and' uponsuch' actuation, the closing of any switches of therst mentioned groupis prevented.-

While the linvention has been illustrated'and described'in great detailin the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be'consid'-ered as illustrativejV and not restrictive in char` acter.A g y Y K,

The several modications described hereinA as Wellas othersiwhich willreadily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art, all areconsidered to bewithin the broad scope of the invention, reference beinghad to, the appended claims. f

The invention claimed is:

1. In an articulated bedstructure having a plurality of hingedly mountedmattress supporte' I ing' bed forming sections, ak frame supportingsame, the'combin'ation of meansrfor individually moving certain of thesections, a single verticallyv disposed reversible power shaft carriedby the frame and to one'side and externally thereof, a

horizontally disposed reversible electric motor for reversibly rotatingsaid shaft andfdis'posed within and supported'by the framea worm'jandwheel connection between the horizontally' disposed motor and thevertically disposed shaft reversible, .rotatable means extending through40 the frame and operatively connected at the notches corresponding tothe positioning of the switch actuating members.

As shown in Figs. 12 to 15, inclusive, these switch actuating membersare arranged 'in two groups." Hence, when any switch actuating member ismoved to closed circuit position, it forces the interlock plate towardone end or the other of plate 605. The notches on opposite sides areslightly offset. The width thereof is such, how` ever; that if oneswitch actuating member be actuated, the plate even 'though` moved willnevertheless permit closing of the other switches of that group. YDepression of any such member upon movethe extent' desired.

framevincluded ends to the individual moving means, means selectivelyconnecting the other ends of each of said reversibly rotatable means tosaidrsh'aft, and `,means controlling'the `rotation ofsaid m'otor andthe'` connection ofthe selective connecting means for vdesired bedsection movement. v A M Y v Y l 2,. Anarticulated bed structure asdei-ined by Vclaim 1 wherein the' last-Inentioned-means com-V prisesamotor reversing switchand selective clutchl control switches, manuallyvoperable merribers for the latter, andY circuit means *controlledy bysaid members Vand switches for motoso/pera# tion in the direction* and-t'o the extent-,desired for section 'movement in the direction and toycrIARLEs DREXLERI' RALPH. MQRGAN-

